Stuff-ups in local elections no surprise

National will simplify the way local elections are conducted in the wake of serious errors in this year’s elections and confusion over the multiple types of voting systems, says National's Local Government spokesman Nick Smith.

"This election is turning into a bureaucratic bungle. Many Tauranga residents have got information on Nelson candidates, some Wellington residents have got the wrong voting papers, and there have been serious errors in Hamilton’s voter information.

“These stuff-ups are an inevitable consequence of the new system’s complexity.

"There is widespread confusion with voters having to use up to three different voting systems. Some voters are faced with FPP, STV, and a MMP-type system on voting papers.

"The Government has invited this mess trying to please everyone with politically correct local government policies.”

Dr Smith says the complexity of the elections will please no one.

"National will simplify the voting system by requiring local elections to be run on the same system.

“We will consult with the community about which system is best, and then consistently apply it nationwide.

“We also want to review the very piecemeal way local elections are administered by separate councils, and investigate whether the Electoral Commission should also run local elections", Dr Smith said.

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